Maybe an obvious choice, but the Barbican is always good. My favourite space in there is the curve gallery, last time I went was for Cory Arcangel's 'Beat the Champ'. I love the architecture, although not many people do. I think it was voted 'London's ugliest building' in 2003.

Nice old trees, lots of space, good for walking, running, hanging out with your kids and most of all, the perfect place to lie in the grass and chill out.

Get on the list for tickets and surprise someone who will appreciate the 'village of books' upstairs in particular.

Being an East London boy at heart I am partial to an occasional fix of café culture. Pellici's has been running since the start of the last century, to which me, my father and my father's fathers have all enjoyed its mix of tasty Italian/London grub and energetic atmosphere. If you're visiting, make sure you drop by, as it will provide a valuable, forever-depleting education into what East London is really all about.

Misty mornings on the river beat the rest... this pic was taken in February on the Walthamstow marshes.